A major cycling race initially set to pass through Geelong’s north last Saturday has been rescheduled to May 1.
Organisers postponed the Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic last Friday after state government announced a five-day lockdown earlier that day.
The event would have caused minor delays on the Princes Freeway as the peloton moved from Avalon to the Hamilton Highway exit of Geelong Ring Road.
The classic is the longest one-day cycling race in Australia and has run on-and-off for 126 years, according to promoters.
“What had been planned to be a great Warrny last weekend, will now be a great Warrny on the May 1,” said Shane Wilson, chair of the Warrnambool Citizen’s Road Race Committee.
“The cycling community and our partners have provided us with great support to reschedule so quickly. Our team is raring to go.”
Recent Australian time trial cycling champion Luke Plapp and world track champion Kelland O’Brien had been set to join what organisers described as “one of the best fields ever” for the race.
Plapp, 20, toppled four-time time trial champion Luke Durbridge at the national championships in Ballarat on February 3.
Plapp and O’Brien both ride for Australia in the team pursuit squad aiming for gold at the Tokyo Olympics in July.
Riders can enter the event via the race website www.melbournetowarrnambool.com.au
Existing entries will be carried over from the initial race date or can be refunded by contacting AusCycling.
